CN116095206A

CN116095206A - Electronic device

Info

Publication number: CN116095206A
Application number: CN202211374132.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 李熙荣; 郑旻暻; 徐银美; 金智训; 吴旼柱
Original assignee: Samsung Display Co Ltd
Current assignee: Samsung Display Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-11-05
Filing date: 2022-11-03
Publication date: 2023-05-09
Also published as: KR20230066172A; CN219087160U; US20230144219A1

Abstract

An electronic device includes: an electronic module; a display module including a first region overlapping the electronic module and a second region not overlapping the electronic module; a window module disposed on the display module; and a coating layer disposed on at least one of a first outermost surface of the window module and a first outermost surface of the display module, the first outermost surface of the window module facing away from a second outermost surface of the window module facing the display module, the first outermost surface of the display module facing away from a second outermost surface of the display module facing the window module.

Description

Electronic device

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority and ownership rights obtained from korean patent application No. 10-2021-0151333 filed on month 5 of 2021, 11, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention herein relate to an electronic device, and more particularly, to an electronic device including a camera module under a display module.

Background

In order to provide video information, various types of electronic devices are being used, and the electronic devices may include an electronic module that receives an external signal or supplies an output signal to the outside. For example, the electronic module may include a camera module or the like, and demands for electronic devices capable of achieving high-quality captured images are increasing.

In order to increase the area in which video is displayed in an electronic device, it is considered to arrange a camera module or the like in the area in which video is displayed, and thus, improvement in the quality of captured video is desired.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic device having improved sensing performance of an electronic module disposed below a display module.

Embodiments of the present invention also provide an electronic device having improved image display quality, the image being captured by a camera module disposed below a display module.

An embodiment of the present invention provides an electronic device including: an electronic module; a display module including a first region overlapping the electronic module and a second region not overlapping the electronic module; a window module disposed on the display module; and a coating layer disposed on at least one of a first outermost surface of the window module and a first outermost surface of the display module, the first outermost surface of the window module facing away from a second outermost surface of the window module facing the display module, the first outermost surface of the display module facing away from a second outermost surface of the display module facing the window module.

In an embodiment, the coating may have an average thickness of about 10 nanometers (nm) to about 10000 nm.

In an embodiment, the coating may have a refractive index between a refractive index of an outermost layer of the window module including the first outermost surface of the window module and a refractive index of air, or a refractive index between a refractive index of an outermost layer of the display module including the first outermost surface of the display module and the refractive index of air.

In an embodiment, the coating may have a refractive index of about 1.0 to about 1.6.

In an embodiment, the entirety of the stacked display module, the window module, and the coating layer may have a haze of about 4.5% or less.

In embodiments, the coating may include an acrylic resin, a silicone-based resin, or a composite resin derived from a combination of the acrylic resin and the silicone-based resin.

In an embodiment, the window module may include a window, a protective layer disposed on a first surface of the window and including the first outermost surface of the window module opposite the first surface of the window, and a window adhesive layer disposed on a second surface of the window opposite the first surface of the window and facing the display module, and the coating may be disposed on at least one of the first outermost surface of the protective layer and the first outermost surface of the display module.

In an embodiment, the display module may include a display panel and a first film disposed on a first surface of the display panel opposite to a second surface of the display panel facing the window module, and the first film includes the first outermost surface of the display module, and the coating may be disposed on at least one of the first outermost surface of the window module and the first outermost surface of the first film.

In an embodiment, the display module may further include a second film disposed on the second surface of the display panel.

In embodiments, the first film and the second film may each be a polymer film independently including polyethylene terephthalate ("PET") or polyimide ("PI").

In an embodiment, the display module may include a display panel and a first film disposed on a first surface of the display panel opposite to a second surface of the display panel facing the window module, and the first film includes the first outermost surface of the display module, the window module may include a window, a protective layer disposed on the first surface of the window and including the first outermost surface of the window module, and a window adhesive layer disposed on a second surface of the window opposite to the first surface of the window and facing the display module, and the coating layer may include a first coating layer disposed on the first outermost surface of the first film and a second coating layer disposed on the first outermost surface of the protective layer.

In embodiments, the window may be a cover window comprising a glass material, and the protective layer may comprise thermoplastic polyurethane ("TPU") and/or PET.

In an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device divided into a folding area folded with respect to a folding axis extending in one direction and a non-folding area adjacent to the folding area, the electronic device comprising: an electronic module; a display panel including a first region overlapping the electronic module and a second region not overlapping the electronic module; a window module disposed on a first surface of the display panel; a film disposed on a second surface of the display panel opposite the first surface of the display panel; and a coating layer disposed on at least one of a first surface of the window module and a first surface of the film, the first surface of the window module facing away from a second surface of the window module facing the display panel, the first surface of the film facing away from a second surface of the film facing the window module.

In an embodiment, the coating may have an average thickness of about 10nm to about 10000 nm.

In an embodiment, the entirety of the stacked display panel, the window module, the film, and the coating layer may have a haze of about 4.5% or less.

In an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device includes: an electronic module; a support module in which a through hole is defined and which overlaps the electronic module; and a display member disposed on the support module and including a display module, a window module disposed on the display module, and a coating layer disposed on at least one of a first outermost surface of the window module and a first outermost surface of the display module, the first outermost surface of the window module facing away from a second outermost surface of the window module facing the display module, the first outermost surface of the display module facing away from a second outermost surface of the display module facing the window module, wherein the display member has a haze of about 4.5% or less.

In an embodiment, the display module may include a display panel and a film disposed on a first surface of the display panel opposite a second surface of the display panel facing the window module, the window module may include a window including a glass material, a protective layer disposed on the first surface of the window, and a window adhesive layer disposed on a second surface of the window opposite the first surface of the window and facing the display module, and the coating may include a first coating layer disposed on a first surface of the protective layer opposite the second surface of the protective layer facing the display module, and a second coating layer disposed on a first surface of the film opposite the second surface of the film facing the window module.

In an embodiment, the first coating layer and the second coating layer may each have an average thickness of about 10nm to about 10000 nm.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment showing a state in which an electronic device is deployed;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the electronic device shown in FIG. 1A being folded in;

FIG. 1C is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the electronic device shown in FIG. 1A being folded out;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an electronic device;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an electronic device;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of a portion of an electronic device;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of a portion of an electronic device; and is also provided with

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a portion in which a coating layer is provided.

Detailed Description

Various modifications and various forms may be made and applied in the embodiments of the present invention, and exemplary embodiments will be illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the text. It is not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, however, and it is to be understood that the invention is to include all changes, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

In this specification, when an element (or region, layer, section, etc.) is referred to as being "on," "connected" or "coupled" to another element (or region, layer, section, etc.), it means that the element is directly placed/connected/coupled to the other element or a third element can be disposed between the element and the other element.

In this application, "direct contact" may mean that no layer, film, region, plate, etc. is added between a portion such as a layer, film, region, or plate and another portion. For example, terms such as "directly contacting" may mean placing two layers or two members without using an additional member such as an adhesive member between the two layers or the two members.

Like reference numerals or symbols refer to like elements. In addition, in the drawings, thicknesses, ratios, and sizes of components are exaggerated for effectively describing technical contents. "and/or" includes all combinations of one or more of the associated elements as may be defined.

Terms such as first and second may be used to describe various components, but these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used for distinguishing one component from another. A first component could, for example, be termed a second component, and, similarly, a second component could be termed a first component, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular expressions include plural expressions.

In addition, terms such as "below" … … "," lower "," above "… …" and "upper" are used to describe the relationship between components shown in the drawings. These terms are relative concepts and are described based on the directions indicated in the drawings.

Terms such as "comprises" or "comprising" are intended to specify the presence of stated features, amounts, steps, actions, components, portions, or combinations thereof, and it should be understood that they do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, amounts, steps, operations, components, portions, or combinations thereof.

In view of the measurements in question and errors associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., limitations of the measurement system), as used herein, "about" or "approximately" includes the values and is intended to be within the acceptable range of deviation of the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the term "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10% or ±5% of the stated value.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In addition, unless explicitly defined herein, terms such as those defined in a general dictionary should be construed to have meanings consistent with meanings in the background of the relevant art, and the terms should not be construed in an excessively idealized or formalized sense.

Hereinafter, an electronic device in an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1A is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a state in which an electronic device is unfolded. Fig. 1B is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment in which the electronic device illustrated in fig. 1A is folded inside. Fig. 1C is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment in which the electronic device illustrated in fig. 1A is folded out.

The electronic device ED in an embodiment may be a device that is activated in response to an electrical signal. In an embodiment, the electronic device ED may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a car navigation system, a game console, or a wearable device, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present disclosure, for example, in fig. 1A, a mobile phone is shown in an embodiment of an electronic device ED.

Fig. 1A to 1C show a foldable electronic device as an electronic device ED, which can be folded and changed in form, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The electronic device ED in an embodiment may be a flexible electronic device, the form of which may be changed by bending or crimping.

In fig. 1A and the following drawings, the first to fourth direction axes DR1 to DR4 are shown, and directions indicated by the first, second, third, and fourth direction axes DR1, DR2, DR3, and DR4 described herein are relative concepts, and may be changed to other directions. In addition, directions indicated by the first direction axis DR1, the second direction axis DR2, the third direction axis DR3, and the fourth direction axis DR4 may be described as first to fourth directions, and the direction axes and the directions indicated by them may use the same reference numerals or symbols.

Referring to fig. 1A to 1C, the electronic device ED in the embodiment may include a display surface FS parallel to a plane defined by a first direction axis DR1 and a second direction axis DR2 intersecting the first direction axis DR1 in an unfolded state. The electronic device ED may supply the image IM to the user via the display surface FS. The electronic device ED in the embodiment may display the image IM toward the third direction axis DR3 on the display surface FS parallel to the plane defined by the first direction axis DR1 and the second direction axis DR 2. In the present disclosure, a front surface (or upper surface) and a rear surface (or lower surface) of each component are defined with respect to a direction in which the image IM is displayed. In the present disclosure, the direction in which the image IM is displayed may be defined as a third direction axis DR3, and the fourth direction axis DR4 may be defined as a direction opposite to the direction of the third direction axis DR 3.

The electronic device ED in an embodiment may sense an external input applied from the outside. The external input may include various types of input supplied from the outside of the electronic device ED. In embodiments, for example, the external input may include not only a touch by a portion of the body, such as a user's hand, but may also include external input (e.g., hovering) applied proximate or adjacent to the electronic device ED within a predetermined distance. In addition, the external input may have various forms such as force, pressure, temperature, and light.

The display surface FS of the electronic device ED may comprise an active area F-AA and a peripheral area F-NAA. The active area F-AA may be an area that is activated in response to an electrical signal. The electronic device ED in an embodiment may display the image IM via the active area F-AA. In addition, the active region F-AA may sense various types of external inputs. The peripheral region F-NAA is adjacent to the active region F-AA. The peripheral region F-NAA may have a predetermined color. The peripheral region F-NAA may surround the active region F-AA. Thus, the shape of the active region F-AA may be substantially defined by the peripheral region F-NAA. However, this is only one of the embodiments, and in alternative embodiments the peripheral region F-NAA may be disposed adjacent to only one side of the active region F-AA, or may be omitted. The electronic device ED in the embodiment of the present invention may include active regions of various shapes, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The active region F-AA may include a sensing region SA. Various electronic modules may be disposed in the sensing area SA. In an embodiment, for example, the electronic module may include at least one of a camera module, a speaker, a light sensor, and a heat sensor. The sensing area SA may sense an external object received through the display surface FS or supply a sound signal such as voice to the outside through the display surface FS. The electronic module may include a plurality of components, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

In an embodiment, the sensing region SA may be surrounded by the active region F-AA and the peripheral region F-NAA, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the sensing region SA may be disposed in the active region F-AA, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic device ED includes one sensing area SA, but the number of sensing areas SA is not limited thereto.

The sensing region SA may be part of the active region F-AA. Accordingly, the electronic device ED may also display a moving image (e.g., video) on the sensing area SA. When the electronic module disposed in the sensing area SA is deactivated, the sensing area SA may serve as a display surface and display a video or image.

The rear surface RS of the electronic device ED in an embodiment may be a surface facing away from the display surface FS. In an embodiment, the rear surface RS is an outer surface of the electronic device ED, and may not display video or images. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the rear surface RS may be used as a second display surface that displays video or images. In addition, the electronic device ED in the embodiment may further include a sensing region disposed on the rear surface RS. A camera, speaker, light sensing sensor, etc. may be disposed in the sensing region disposed on the rear surface RS.

The electronic device ED may include a folded area FA and non-folded areas NFA1 and NFA2. The electronic device ED may include a plurality of non-folded regions NFA1 and NFA2. The electronic device ED in the embodiment may include a first non-folding area NFA1 and a second non-folding area NFA2, and the folding area FA is disposed between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2. Fig. 1A to 1C show an embodiment of an electronic device ED comprising one folding area FA, but the invention is not limited thereto. A plurality of folding areas may be defined in the electronic device ED, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The electronic device ED in the embodiment may be folded with respect to a plurality of folding axes so that a plurality of portions of the display surface FS may face each other, and the number of folding axes is not particularly limited and thus the number of non-folding areas is not particularly limited.

Referring to fig. 1B and 1C, the electronic device ED in the embodiment can be folded with respect to the folding axis FX 1. The folding axis FX1 shown in fig. 1B and 1C is a virtual axis extending on the first direction axis DR1, and may be parallel to the long-side direction of the electronic device ED. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the extending direction of the folding axis FX1 is not limited to the first direction axis DR1.

The folding axis FX1 may extend on the display surface FS along the first direction axis DR1, or may extend below the rear surface RS along the first direction axis DR 1. Referring to fig. 1B, in an embodiment, the first and second non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 may face each other, and the electronic device ED may be folded in such a way that the display surface FS is not exposed to the outside. In addition, referring to fig. 1C, the electronic device ED in the embodiment may be folded out with respect to the folding axis FX1 such that one region of the rear surface RS overlapping the first non-folding region NFA1 and another region of the rear surface RS overlapping the second non-folding region NFA2 face each other.

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an electronic device, and fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an electronic device. Fig. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the electronic device ED in the embodiment shown in fig. 1A. Fig. 3 is a sectional view showing a portion taken along line I-I' of fig. 2.

Referring to fig. 2 and 3, the electronic device ED in an embodiment may include an electronic module CM, a display module DM, a window module WM, and an upper coating CL-T. In addition, the electronic device ED in the embodiment may include a support module SM disposed under the display module DM.

The entire stacked structure provided on the electronic module CM may be referred to as a display member EM. The display member EM may include a display module DM, a window module WM, and a coating CL (refer to fig. 4A) disposed under and/or on the display module DM. The coating CL may include at least one of an upper coating CL-T disposed on the window module WM and a lower coating CL-B (refer to fig. 4A) disposed under the display module DM. Hereinafter, for convenience, each or all of the upper and lower coatings CL-T and CL-B (refer to fig. 4A) may also be referred to as a coating. Fig. 2 and 3 show an electronic device ED comprising in an embodiment an upper coating CL-T provided on the window module WM, and the upper coating CL-T will be described as coating CL in the description of fig. 2 and 3.

Referring to fig. 2 and 3, at least one of the uppermost surface and the lowermost surface of the display member EM in the electronic device ED in the embodiment may be one surface of the upper coating CL-T. Fig. 2 and 3 show that the upper coating CL-T is provided on the window module WM, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The electronic device ED in embodiments including the coating CL, which is the uppermost layer defining the uppermost surface of the display member EM and/or the lowermost layer defining the lowermost surface of the display member EM, may reduce light scattering caused by the roughened surface of the window module WM, thereby improving the sensitivity and performance of the electronic module CM. In particular, the electronic device ED in the embodiment including the camera module as the electronic module CM may include the coating CL including the surface as the outermost surface of the display member EM, thereby reducing the haze caused on the outer surface of the display member EM by light scattering and exhibiting excellent captured imaging quality. That is, in the electronic device ED in the embodiment, at least one of the uppermost surface of the window module WM and the lowermost surface of the display module DM may be covered with the coating CL in the sensing region SA overlapping the electronic module CM, thereby minimizing scattering of light incident on or emitted from the electronic module CM.

Referring to fig. 3, the window module WM may include a window UT, a protective layer PF, and a window adhesive layer AP-W. In alternative embodiments, the protective layer PF may be omitted.

The display module DM may be disposed below the window module WM. The window module WM may cover the entire upper surface of the display module DM. The window module WM may have a shape corresponding to that of the display module DM.

The window UT may comprise an optically transparent insulating material. Window UT may be a glass substrate or a polymer substrate. In an embodiment, for example, window UT may be a tempered glass substrate. In addition, window UT may be thin enough to enable a folding operation. Window UT may be an ultra-thin glass ("UTG") substrate. Window UT may comprise a glass material used as a cover window in electronic device ED.

The protective layer PF may be disposed on the window UT. The protective layer PF may be a functional layer that protects the upper surface of the window UT.

In embodiments, the protective layer PF in embodiments may be a polymer film including at least one polymer resin of polyethylene terephthalate ("PET"), polybutylene terephthalate ("PBT"), polyethylene naphthalate ("PEN"), polycarbonate ("PC"), polymethyl methacrylate ("PMMA"), polystyrene ("PS"), polyvinyl chloride ("PVC"), polyethersulfone ("PES"), polypropylene ("PP"), polyamide ("PA"), modified polyphenylene ether ("m-PPE"), modified polyditoluene ("m-PPO"), polyoxymethylene ("POM"), polysulfone ("PSU"), polyphenylene sulfide ("PPs"), polyimide ("PI"), polyethyleneimine ("PEI"), polyetheretherketone ("PEEK"), polyamideimide ("PAI"), polyarylate ("PAR"), and thermoplastic polyurethane ("TPU").

In embodiments, for example, the protective layer PF may be a PET film or a thermoplastic polyurethane ("TPU") film. In addition, the protective layer PF may be a PET film having no phase retardation.

The window module WM may further include a protective layer bonding layer (not shown). A protective layer bonding layer (not shown) may be disposed between the window UT and the protective layer PF. The protective layer PF may be bonded on the window UT through a protective layer bonding layer (not shown). The protective layer bonding layer (not shown) may include a silicon-based resin, an acrylic resin, or a urethane-based resin. In addition, the protective layer PF may further include an anti-fingerprint coating agent, an antistatic agent, a hard coating agent, etc., thereby functioning as a functional layer. The protective layer PF may have a multi-layered stack structure, and may further include separate functional layers such as an anti-fingerprint coating layer, an anti-static layer, and a hard coating layer.

In an embodiment, the window adhesive layer AP-W may be an optically clear adhesive ("OCA") layer or an optically clear adhesive resin ("OCR") layer.

An upper coating CL-T comprising a surface defining the upper surface of the display member EM in the electronic device ED in the embodiment may be provided on the uppermost surface WM-US of the window module WM. When the window module WM includes a protective layer PF, the upper coating CL-T may be disposed directly on the upper surface of the protective layer PF. In an alternative embodiment, the upper coating CL-T may be disposed directly on the upper surface of the window UT when the window module WM does not include the protective layer PF.

When the upper coating CL-T is disposed on the window module WM, the upper coating CL-T may cover the surface roughness of the uppermost surface WM-US of the window module WM. In an embodiment, the upper coating CL-T may have an average thickness T of about 10 nanometers (nm) to about 10000nm _CL . When the upper coating CL-T has an average thickness T of less than about 10nm _CL In the meantime, the upper coating CL-T may not sufficiently cover the roughness of the outer surface of the window module WM, so that the improvement of haze may not be sufficiently achieved. In addition, when the upper coating CL-T has an average thickness T of greater than about 10000nm _CL In this case, the folding performance of the electronic device ED may be deteriorated due to the large thickness.

When the upper coating CL-T is disposed on the window module WM, the upper coating CL-T may have a refractive index between that of air and that of the uppermost layer of the window module WM in direct contact with the upper coating CL-T. In embodiments, for example, the upper coating CL-T may have a refractive index of about 1.0 to about 1.6.

The upper coating CL-T may be an organic layer, an inorganic layer, or an organic-inorganic composite layer. The upper coating CL-T may be an acrylic resin, a silicone resin, or a composite resin derived from a combination thereof. In embodiments, for example, the upper coating CL-T may include a composition for a hard coating. However, in alternative embodiments, the upper coating CL-T may not include a diffuser such as inorganic particles to reduce haze.

The display module DM may be disposed below the window module WM. The display module DM may be a component that generates video and senses input applied from the outside. The electronic module CM may be disposed below the display module DM, and may be, for example, a camera module. The display module DM may also be referred to as a first electronic module and the electronic module CM may also be referred to as a second electronic module.

The display module DM may display video according to an electrical signal and may transmit/receive information about external input. Referring to fig. 2 and 3, the display module DM may include a display area AA and a non-display area NAA. The display area AA may be defined as an area transmitting video supplied by the display module DM.

The non-display area NAA is adjacent to the display area AA. In an embodiment, for example, the non-display area NAA may surround the display area AA. However, this is only an exemplary embodiment, and the non-display area NAA may be defined in various shapes, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the display area AA of the display module DM may correspond to at least a portion of the active area F-AA (refer to fig. 1A).

The display area AA of the display module DM may include a first area DP-SA overlapping the electronic module CM and a second area DP-NSA not overlapping the electronic module CM. In an embodiment, one region of the display module DM may have higher transmittance than another region. In an embodiment, for example, the first region DP-SA overlapping the electronic module CM may have a higher transmittance than the second region DP-NSA not overlapping the electronic module CM. The first area DP-SA may display video and may transmit external inputs supplied to and/or outputs from the electronic module CM. The first region DP-SA may be a portion of the display region AA and may also be referred to as a sensing region. The first region DP-SA may correspond to the sensing region SA of the electronic device ED.

The display module DM may include a display panel DP, a sensor layer IS, and a reflection adjusting layer RCL. In alternative embodiments, the sensor layer IS or the reflection adjustment layer RCL, etc. may be omitted.

The display panel DP may be a component that substantially generates video. In embodiments, the display panel DP may be, for example, an organic light emitting display panel, an inorganic light emitting display panel, a quantum dot display panel, a micro light emitting diode ("micro LED") display panel, a nano LED display panel, or a liquid crystal display panel. The display panel DP may also be referred to as a display layer.

The sensor layer IS may be disposed on the display panel DP. The sensor layer IS may sense an external input applied from the outside. The external input may be an input of a user. The user input may include various forms of external input such as a portion of the user's body, light, heat, pen, or pressure.

The sensor layer IS in the display module DM in the embodiment may be formed or disposed on the display panel DP through a continuous process. In this case, it may mean that the sensor layer IS directly disposed on the display panel DP. The phrase "directly disposed" may mean that no third component IS disposed between the sensor layer IS and the display panel DP. That IS, a separate adhesive member may not be provided between the sensor layer IS and the display panel DP. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the sensor layer IS may be bonded to the display panel DP through an adhesive member. The adhesive means may comprise a typical bonding agent or adhesive.

The reflection adjusting layer RCL may be disposed on the sensor layer IS. The reflection adjusting layer RCL may be disposed on the display panel DP to control reflection of external light at the display panel DP. That is, the reflection adjusting layer RCL may reduce the reflectivity of external light incident from the outside of the display module DM. The reflection adjusting layer RCL may include, for example, a polarizing layer, a color filter layer, or a light conversion agent such as pigment or dye. Unlike the embodiment shown in the drawings, in an alternative embodiment, the reflection adjusting layer RCL may be omitted in the display module DM.

The display module DM may include a lower film LF disposed under the display panel DP. The lower film LF may be disposed under the display panel DP to protect a lower portion of the display panel DP. The display module DM may include a lower adhesive layer AP-L that combines the display panel DP and the lower film LF.

The lower film LF may be a polymer film. In an embodiment, for example, the lower film LF may include a PET film or a PI film. The lower film LF may prevent scratches from occurring on the rear surface of the display panel DP during the manufacturing process of the display panel DP. In addition, the lower film LF may protect the display panel DP from pressure applied from the outside, thereby preventing deformation of the display panel DP. The lower film LF may have a structure having one film layer or a plurality of film layers stacked therein.

The lower adhesive layer AP-L may be disposed between the display panel DP and the lower film LF. The lower adhesive layer AP-L may be an OCA layer or an OCR layer. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the lower adhesive layer AP-L may include an acrylic adhesive or a silicon-based adhesive. In alternative embodiments, the lower adhesive layer AP-L may be omitted.

The electronic device ED in an embodiment may comprise a support module SM arranged below the display module DM. The support module SM may include a support plate MP and a lower support member BSM.

The support plate MP may be disposed under the display module DM. In an embodiment, the support plate MP may include a metal material or a polymer material. In an embodiment, for example, the support plate MP may include stainless steel, aluminum, or an alloy thereof. In another embodiment, the support plate MP may include carbon fiber reinforced plastic ("CFRP") or the like, unlike the previous embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the support plate MP may include a non-metallic material, plastic, glass fiber reinforced plastic, or glass.

A plurality of openings OP may be defined in the support plate MP. The support plate MP may include an opening pattern OP-PT defining a plurality of openings OP. The opening pattern OP-PT may correspond to the folded region FA.

The lower support member BSM may include a support member SPM and a filling portion SAP. The support member SPM may be a portion overlapping with a large area of the display module DM. The filling portion SAP may be a portion disposed outside the support member SPM and overlapped with the outside of the display module DM.

The lower support member BSM may include at least one of a support layer SP, a buffer layer CP, a shielding layer EMP, and an interlayer bonding layer ILP. The configuration of the lower support member BSM is not limited to the embodiment shown in fig. 3 and the like, and may be changed according to the size, shape, or operation characteristics of the electronic device ED. In alternative embodiments, for example, some of the support layer SP, the buffer layer CP, the shielding layer EMP, and the interlayer bonding layer ILP may be omitted, and the stacking order of these layers may be changed to an order different from that in fig. 3, or additional components other than those shown may be further included. In an embodiment, for example, the lower support member BSM may further include a digitizer or the like.

The support layer SP may include a metal material or a polymer material. The support layer SP may be disposed under the support plate MP. In an embodiment, for example, the support layer SP may be a thin film metal substrate.

The support layer SP may include a first sub-support layer SSP1 and a second sub-support layer SSP2 spaced apart from each other on the second direction axis DR 2. The first sub-support layer SSP1 and the second sub-support layer SSP2 may be spaced apart from each other with respect to a portion corresponding to the folding axis FX1 (refer to fig. 2). The support layer SP may be provided as a first sub-support layer SSP1 and a second sub-support layer SSP2 spaced apart from each other in the folding area FA, thereby improving folding or bending characteristics of the electronic device ED.

The buffer layer CP may be disposed under the support layer SP. The buffer layer CP may prevent the pressing down and plastic deformation of the support plate MP caused by external impact and external force. The buffer layer CP may improve impact resistance of the electronic device ED. The buffer layer CP may include an elastomer such as sponge, foam, or urethane resin. In addition, the buffer layer CP may include at least one of an acrylic polymer, a urethane polymer, a silicon polymer, and an imide polymer, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

In addition, the buffer layer CP may include a first sub buffer layer CP1 and a second sub buffer layer CP2 spaced apart from each other on the second direction axis DR 2. The first and second sub buffer CP1 and CP2 may be spaced apart from each other in a portion corresponding to the folding axis FX 1. The buffer layer CP may be provided as a first sub buffer layer CP1 and a second sub buffer layer CP2 spaced apart from each other in the folding area FA, thereby improving folding or bending characteristics of the electronic device ED.

The shielding layer EMP may be an electromagnetic wave shielding layer or a heat dissipation layer. In addition, the shielding layer EMP may be used as a bonding layer. The interlayer bonding layer ILP may bond the support plate MP and the lower support member BSM. The interlayer bonding layer ILP may be provided in the form of a bonding resin layer or an adhesive tape. Fig. 3 shows that the interlayer bonding layer ILP is divided into two portions spaced apart from each other in a portion corresponding to the folding area FA, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. In alternative embodiments, the interlayer bonding layer ILP may be provided as individual layers that are not spaced apart from each other in the folded area FA.

The filling part SAP may be disposed outside the support layer SP and the buffer layer CP. The filling portion SAP may be disposed between the support plate MP and the housing HAU. The filling portion SAP may fill a space between the support plate MP and the housing HAU (refer to fig. 2), and may fix the support plate MP.

In addition, the electronic device ED in the embodiment may further include a module adhesive layer AP-DM disposed between the display module DM and the support module SM. The module adhesive layer AP-DM may be an OCA layer or an OCR layer. Although not shown, an additional adhesive layer may be further provided between the corresponding members included in the support module SM.

The through holes TH may be defined in the support module SM. The through holes TH may overlap or correspond to the sensing regions SA of the electronic device ED. The through holes TH may be defined to overlap with the electronic module CM. At least a portion of the electronic module CM may be inserted into the through hole TH.

In an embodiment, the electronic module CM may be a camera module. The camera module may capture still images and video. The camera module may be provided in a plurality. At least some of the plurality of camera modules may overlap the first region DP-SA (refer to fig. 2) of the display module DM. An external input (e.g., light) may be supplied to the camera module through the first region DP-SA. In an embodiment, for example, the camera module may receive natural light through the first region DP-SA and capture an external image.

In addition, the electronic device ED may include a housing HAU accommodating the electronic module CM, the display module DM, the support module SM, and the like. The housing HAU may be coupled to the window module WM. Although not shown, the housing HAU may further include a hinge structure for easy folding or bending.

In the electronic device ED in an embodiment, the entirety of the stacked display module DM, window module WM, and upper coating CL-T may have a haze of about 4.5% or less.

The electronic device ED in an embodiment may include a lower coating CL (e.g., CL-B in fig. 4A to 4B) having a predetermined thickness or more below the lowermost surface of the display module DM exposed to the electronic module CM, and/or an upper coating CL (e.g., CL-T in fig. 3) on the uppermost surface of the window module WM as the display surface FS (refer to fig. 1A), thereby controlling the haze of the display member EM to be about 4.5% or less. Accordingly, the electronic device ED may exhibit improved display quality, improved sensing characteristics of the electronic module CM, excellent imaging quality, and the like.

Fig. 4A and 4B are sectional views each showing an embodiment of a part of an electronic device. Fig. 4A and 4B may be portions corresponding to the embodiment of the display member EM in fig. 3 and the like. Hereinafter, in the electronic device in the embodiment to be described with reference to fig. 4A and 4B, the repetitive description made with reference to fig. 1A to 3 will not be described again, and the following description will focus mainly on differences.

Fig. 4A shows a display member EM-a as part of an electronic device. The display member EM-a in the embodiment shown in fig. 4A may further include a lower coating CL-B, as compared to the display member EM (refer to fig. 3) in the electronic device ED in the embodiment shown in fig. 3. The display member EM-a in an embodiment may include an upper coating CL-T on an uppermost portion of the display member EM-a and a lower coating CL-B below a lowermost portion of the display member EM-a.

In an embodiment, the lower coating CL-B may be disposed below the lowermost surface DM-DS of the display module DM. The lower coating CL-B may be disposed directly below the lower surface of the lower film LF.

When the lower coating CL-B is disposed under the display module DM, the lower coating CL-B may cover the surface roughness of the lowermost surface DM-DS of the display module DM. The under-coating CL-B may have an average thickness t of about 10nm to about 10000nm _CL-B . When the under-coating CL-B has an average thickness t of less than about 10nm _CL-B In this case, the lower coating CL-B may not sufficiently cover the roughness of the outer surface of the display module DM, thereby not sufficiently achieving the haze improvement. In addition, the lower coating CL-B has an average thickness t of greater than about 10000nm _CL-B When the folding characteristics of the electronic device may deteriorate due to a large thickness.

When the lower coating CL-B is disposed under the display module DM, the lower coating CL-B may have a refractive index between that of air and that of the lowermost layer of the display module DM in direct contact with the lower coating CL-B. In embodiments, for example, the under-coating CL-B may have a refractive index of about 1.0 to about 1.6.

The under-coating CL-B may be an organic layer, an inorganic layer, or an organic-inorganic composite layer. The under-coating CL-B may include an acrylic resin, a silicone resin, or a composite resin derived from a combination thereof. In embodiments, for example, the under-coating CL-B may include a composition for a hard coating. However, in alternative embodiments, the under-coating CL-B may not include a diffuser such as inorganic particles to reduce haze.

The description of the upper coating CL-T in the electronic device ED with reference to fig. 2 and 3 may be similarly applied to the upper coating CL-T in the embodiment of the display member EM-a shown in fig. 4A.

When the display member EM-a in the embodiment includes both the upper and lower coatings CL-T and CL-B, the upper and lower coatings CL-T and CL-B may include the same material, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. The upper and lower coatings CL-T and CL-B may comprise different materials and may be provided to cover surfaces of the respective layers adjacent to each other.

The entirety of the stacked structure including the display module DM, the window module WM, and the upper and lower coatings CL-T and CL-B in the electronic device in the embodiment may have a haze of about 4.5% or less. In the electronic device in the embodiment, the display member EM-a includes the lower coating CL-B and the upper coating CL-T provided respectively below the lowermost surface DM-DS of the display module DM (refer to fig. 3) exposed to the electronic module CM and on the uppermost surface WM-US of the window module WM as the display surface FS (refer to fig. 1A), and thus the haze may be controlled to be about 4.5% or less. Accordingly, the electronic device in the embodiment may exhibit improved display quality, improved sensing characteristics of the electronic module CM, excellent imaging quality, and the like.

Fig. 4B shows a display member EM-B as part of an electronic device. The display member EM-B in the embodiment shown in fig. 4B may further include an upper film UF and an upper adhesive layer AP-U, as compared to the display member EM-a in the embodiment shown in fig. 4A. The display member EM-B in an embodiment may include an upper coating CL-T on the uppermost portion of the display member EM-B and a lower coating CL-B under the lowermost portion of the display member EM-B.

In an embodiment, the lower coating CL-B may be disposed below the lowermost surface DM-DS of the display module DM-B, and the upper coating CL-T may be disposed on the uppermost surface WM-US of the window module WM. The same applies to the upper and lower coatings CL-T and CL-B as described with reference to fig. 2 to 4A. In addition, the description made with reference to fig. 2 to 4A may be similarly applied to other components of the display module DM-b and the window module WM.

In the display member EM-b in the embodiment, the display module DM-b may include an upper film UF. The display module DM-b may include an upper film UF disposed on an upper side of the display panel DP so as to protect the display panel DP. The upper membrane UF may be arranged adjacent to the underside of the window module WM. The upper film UF may be disposed directly below the lower surface of the window adhesive layer AP-W.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 4B, the upper film UF may be provided on the reflection adjusting layer RCL, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment in which the reflection adjusting layer RCL IS omitted, the upper film UF may be provided on the sensor layer IS.

The upper adhesive layer AP-U may be disposed under the upper film UF and combine the upper film UF with a member such as the display panel DP. In the embodiment shown in fig. 4B, the upper adhesive layer AP-U may be disposed between the upper membrane UF and the reflection adjusting layer RCL, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment in which the reflection adjusting layer RCL IS omitted, the upper adhesive layer AP-U may be disposed between the upper membrane UF and the sensor layer IS.

The upper membrane UF may be a polymer membrane. In an embodiment, for example, the upper membrane UF may include a PET membrane or a PI membrane. The upper film UF may serve as an impact absorbing layer that protects the components of the display module DM-b disposed below the upper film UF. In addition, the upper film UF may be used as an optical layer for improving the display quality of the electronic device. The upper membrane UF may have a structure having one membrane layer, or a structure in which a plurality of membrane layers are stacked.

The upper adhesive layer AP-U may be an OCA layer or an OCR layer, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. The upper adhesive layer AP-U may include an acrylic adhesive or a silicon adhesive, etc. In addition, in alternative embodiments, the upper adhesive layer AP-U may be omitted.

In the electronic device in the embodiment, the entirety of the display member EM-B including the upper film UF and the lower film LF may have a haze of about 4.5% or less, and the display module DM-B, the window module WM, and the upper and lower coatings CL-T and CL-B are stacked in the display member EM-B. Since the electronic device in the embodiment includes the lower and upper coating layers CL-B and CL-T disposed below the lowermost surface DM-DS of the display module DM-B exposed to the electronic module CM (refer to fig. 3) and on the uppermost surface WM-US of the window module WM as the display surface FS (refer to fig. 1A), respectively, the display member EM-B may control the haze to about 4.5% or less, thereby exhibiting improved display quality and improved performance of the electronic module CM. In the embodiment, for example, when the electronic module CM is a camera module, the electronic device in the embodiment may exhibit excellent imaging quality characteristics.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a portion in which a coating layer is provided. In fig. 5, a coating CL provided on the uppermost surface WM-US of the window module WM is shown as an example. In an embodiment, the coating CL may be provided as a surface roughness covering the uppermost surface WM-US of the window module WM. The coating CL may be provided on the window module WM so as to minimize light scattering caused by uneven surfaces of the uppermost surface WM-US of the window module WM. Therefore, degradation of display quality and degradation of imaging quality caused by light scattering when the camera module is used can be reduced.

Fig. 5 only shows the case where the coating CL is provided on the window module WM in the embodiment, but the provision of the coating below the display module can also minimize light scattering caused by uneven surfaces of the display module. That is, in the electronic device in the embodiment including the coating layer provided on the outer surface of the display member at a predetermined thickness, the coating layer may cover the surface roughness, and thus the electronic device may have low haze, thereby exhibiting improved display quality and excellent working performance of the electronic module.

Table 1 below shows the comparison result between the haze of the display member in the electronic device according to the example of the present invention and the haze of the display member in the electronic device according to the comparative example. The haze in table 1 corresponds to the haze in the visible light region.

In the example and comparative example of comparison and evaluation in table 1, the lower film and the protective layer each correspond to the PET film. In addition, the display panel includes a first region overlapping the electronic module and a second region not overlapping the electronic module.

In example 1 and comparative example 1, in the case where the lower film was included below the display panel and the protective layer was not included on the window, haze was compared according to whether or not the coating layer was present. In examples 2-1 to 2-3 and comparative example 2, in the case where the lower film was included below the display panel and the protective layer was included on the window, haze was compared according to whether the coating layer was present.

TABLE 1

Referring to the results of table 1, it can be confirmed that the example has a low haze of about 4.5% or less. In addition, referring to the results of table 1, it was confirmed that the examples including the coating layer provided a greater improvement in haze of the display member than the comparative examples including no coating layer.

When example 1 and comparative example 1 are compared, example 1 including a coating layer under a lower film included in a display module has lower haze than that of comparative example 1.

When example 2-1 and comparative example 2 are compared, example 2-1 including a coating layer under a lower film included in a display module has lower haze than comparative example 2. Example 2-2, which includes a coating on a protective layer included in the window module, also has lower haze than comparative example 2. In addition, examples 2 to 3, which include a coating layer under the lower film included in the display module and also include a coating layer on the protective layer included in the window module, have a haze significantly lower than that of comparative example 2.

That is, referring to the results of table 1, it can be seen that the electronic device in the embodiment including the coating layer defining the outer surface of the display member has lower haze than the typical electronic device including no coating layer. Accordingly, the electronic device in the embodiment can exhibit the characteristic of reducing degradation of display quality, degradation of imaging quality, and the like caused by light scattering.

The electronic device in an embodiment may include an electronic module, a display module including a display area overlapping the electronic module, and a window module, and may include a coating layer disposed under a lowermost surface of the display module and/or on an uppermost surface of the window module, thereby exhibiting characteristics of reducing display quality degradation caused by light scattering and sensing characteristic degradation of the electronic module caused by light scattering. In addition, since the electronic apparatus in the embodiment may include the camera module as the electronic module, the display module including the display area that displays the video even in the portion overlapping with the camera module, the window module provided on the display module, and the coating layer below the lowermost surface of the display module and/or on the uppermost surface of the window module, excellent imaging quality can be ensured even when the display module or the like is provided on the path of the light incident on or emitted from the electronic module.

The electronic device in the embodiment may include a coating layer on the uppermost portion and/or under the lowermost portion of the stacked member provided on the electronic module, and thus may reduce haze occurring on the outermost surface, thereby exhibiting an effect of reducing performance degradation of the electronic module caused by light scattering.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art and others skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and technical scope of the invention as described in the appended claims.

Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to what is described in the detailed description of the specification, but should be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. An electronic device, wherein the electronic device comprises:

an electronic module;

a display module including a first region overlapping the electronic module and a second region not overlapping the electronic module;

a window module disposed on the display module; and

and a coating layer disposed on at least one of a first outermost surface of the window module and a first outermost surface of the display module, the first outermost surface of the window module facing away from a second outermost surface of the window module facing the display module, the first outermost surface of the display module facing away from the second outermost surface of the display module facing the window module.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the coating has an average thickness of 10 nm to 10000 nm.

3. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the coating has a refractive index between a refractive index of an outermost layer of the window module including the first outermost surface of the window module and a refractive index of air, or has a refractive index between a refractive index of an outermost layer of the display module including the first outermost surface of the display module and the refractive index of air.

4. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the coating has a refractive index of 1.0 to 1.6.

5. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein an entirety of the stacked display module, window module, and coating has a haze of 4.5% or less.

6. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the coating comprises an acrylic resin, a silicone-based resin, or a composite resin derived from a combination of the acrylic resin and the silicone-based resin.

7. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the window module comprises a window, a protective layer disposed on a first surface of the window and comprising the first outermost surface of the window module opposite the first surface of the window, and a window adhesive layer disposed on a second surface of the window opposite the first surface of the window and facing the display module, and

The coating layer is disposed on at least one of the first outermost surface of the protective layer and the first outermost surface of the display module.

8. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the display module comprises a display panel and a first film disposed on a first surface of the display panel opposite a second surface of the display panel facing the window module, and the first film comprises the first outermost surface of the display module, and

the coating is disposed on at least one of the first outermost surface of the window module and the first outermost surface of the first film.

9. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein the display module further comprises a second film disposed on the second surface of the display panel.

10. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the first film and the second film are each independently a polymer film comprising polyethylene terephthalate or polyimide.

11. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the display module comprises a display panel and a first film disposed on a first surface of the display panel opposite a second surface of the display panel facing the window module, and the first film comprises the first outermost surface of the display module,

The window module includes a window, a protective layer disposed on a first surface of the window and including the first outermost surface of the window module, and a window adhesive layer disposed on a second surface of the window opposite the first surface of the window and facing the display module, an

The coating includes a first coating disposed on the first outermost surface of the first film and a second coating disposed on the first outermost surface of the protective layer.

12. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the display module further comprises a second film disposed on the second surface of the display panel.

13. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the window is a cover window comprising a glass material and the protective layer comprises thermoplastic polyurethane and/or polyethylene terephthalate.

14. An electronic device divided into a folded region folded with respect to a folding axis extending in one direction and a non-folded region adjacent to the folded region, wherein the electronic device comprises:

an electronic module;

a display panel including a first region overlapping the electronic module and a second region not overlapping the electronic module;

A window module disposed on a first surface of the display panel;

a film disposed on a second surface of the display panel opposite the first surface of the display panel; and

a coating disposed on at least one of a first surface of the window module and a first surface of the film, the first surface of the window module facing away from a second surface of the window module facing the display panel, the first surface of the film facing away from a second surface of the film facing the window module.

15. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the coating has an average thickness of 10 nm to 10000 nm.

16. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the coating has a refractive index of 1.0 to 1.6.

17. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein an entirety of the stacked display panel, the window module, the film, and the coating has a haze of 4.5% or less.

18. An electronic device, wherein the electronic device comprises:

an electronic module;

a support module in which a through hole is defined and which overlaps the electronic module; and

A display member disposed on the support module and including a display module, a window module disposed on the display module, and a coating layer disposed on at least one of a first outermost surface of the window module facing away from a second outermost surface of the window module facing the display module, the first outermost surface of the display module facing away from a second outermost surface of the display module facing the window module,

wherein the display member has a haze of 4.5% or less.

19. The electronic device of claim 18, wherein the display module comprises a display panel and a film disposed on a first surface of the display panel opposite a second surface of the display panel facing the window module,

the window module includes a window comprising a glass material, a protective layer disposed on a first surface of the window, and a window adhesive layer disposed on a second surface of the window opposite the first surface of the window and facing the display module, an

The coating includes a first coating layer disposed on a first surface of the protective layer opposite a second surface of the protective layer facing the display module, and a second coating layer disposed on a first surface of the film opposite a second surface of the film facing the window module.

20. The electronic device of claim 19, wherein the first and second coatings each have an average thickness of 10 nm to 10000 nm.